Oral History Recording with Newman and Esther Dubinsky

Digital sound recording in two parts

Subject: Ship's Chandler; Second World War

OHY/6//86/1 - 1.1 GB; 00:49:34
OHY/6//86/2 - 2.1 GB 01:37:2

Newman Dubinsky was born in Ukraine in 1914 while Esther was born in Nova Scotia in 1917. Newman moved to Sydney, Nova Scotia where he married Esther and opened a business a ship’s chandler in 1938: Sydney Ship Supply. The company supplied ships involved in the transport of coal from Sydney to Montreal. The Dubinksy’s interview covers life in Sydney after the outbreak of the Second World War as the harbour was transformed into a slow convoy port. They say all ships heading east across the Atlantic ended up in Halifax before heading to the UK to unload. They then returned to Canada to reload.

Newman and Esther lived above the office and started making food for the sailors coming ashore, inviting them to lunch, dinner and parties. They say they wanted to create a home-from-home atmosphere for sailors who were away for long stretches at a time. They would often be invited on board ships for social events in return. Sadly, they recount many friends lost when their vessels were hit. They also discuss rationing and shortages in port, informers and saboteurs and even a Red-Light District that opened for the sailors. Notably, they expound the importance of the Merchant Navy throughout the conflict, and expresses regret that their role has been so often overlooked.

Administrative / biographical background
Oral history with Newman and Esther Dubinsky conducted by Campbell McMurray